Festuca cinerea 'Elijah Blue'

Blue Fescue 'Elijah Blue' is a compactly clump-forming and spherical ornamental grass. It typically reaches a height of 0.2 - 0.3 m and grows to about 0.25 - 0.4 m wide.

The evergreen leaves of Blue Fescue 'Elijah Blue' are very fine, linear, and display an intense, vibrant blue to steel-blue coloration. This color is consistent throughout the year and particularly pronounced in full sun.

The delicate, inconspicuous flower panicles appear from June to July. They are initially greenish and then take on a silvery-brown hue. They are less prominent than the striking foliage.

Festuca cinerea 'Elijah Blue' is a shallow-rooted plant that forms a dense, fibrous root system.

Preferred location in full sun. Direct sunlight is crucial for the development of the most intense blue coloration of the foliage.

Blue Fescue 'Elijah Blue' exhibits very good frost hardiness (down to approx. -35°C). It is very robust against cold temperatures.

Dry to moderately dry, well-drained, mineral, nutrient-poor, and neutral to slightly alkaline soil is preferred. Waterlogging is the plant's biggest enemy and must be strictly avoided, as it leads to root rot.

Rock gardens, gravel gardens, green roofs, trough plantings, as ground cover in full sun areas, front of borders, for edging paths or beds, in Mediterranean or modern gardens. It is an excellent choice for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and color-intensive garden designs.

The plant has a low water requirement. Once established, it is extremely drought-tolerant and can thrive in prolonged dry periods without additional watering.

Pruning of spent flower stalks is possible to maintain a tidy appearance. The foliage itself should only be combed or cleaned in early spring to remove dead blades. Fertilization is generally not necessary and can negatively impact the characteristic compact form.

Container plants can be planted all year round, except when the ground is frozen or during summer heat (above 30°C). However, the best planting time is spring or autumn.